Level 2 Diploma Pre Access to HE

This exciting programme has been designed to prepare adults for progression on to courses that will generally lead to further study, for example, the Access to Higher Education Diploma. If you have not studied for some time or don’t meet the entry requirements for direct entry on to Access to HE, Level 2 Pre Access will develop your confidence and academic skills. You will also be able to study one of English or maths alongside the course, as qualifications in English and maths are required for Level 3 Access to HE.

The Level 2 Pre Access Diploma will give you an introduction to studying if you have not studied for a while or want to refresh your skills in preparation for Access to HE. The course allows you to refine your academic writing skills, as well as providing an introduction into the subjects studied on our Level 3 Access to HE pathways.

You will study a variety of units, such as:

• Academic Writing Skills for Research
• Law in Action
• Biology and the Environment
• Understanding Mental Health

There are also dedicated adult English and maths courses available to prepare you for GCSE (or equivalent) study if you do not hold these at grade 4/C or above.

You will be assessed during the course as each unit is taught and completed. To prepare you for Access to HE, a variety of assessment methods are used, such as essays and presentations.

The course is delivered on a blended model, with most sessions being face to face and a small part delivered online.

After completion, you could progress on to one of our Level 3 Access to Higher Education courses:

• Access to HE – Nursing & Midwifery
• Access to HE – Social Work
• Access to HE – Paramedic Science

All of our Access to Higher Education courses have been approved by the Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) and are ideal for adult students who would like to study at university but do not yet meet the entry requirements for a degree.

Universities expect adults who apply for some vocational degrees to have previous relevant paid or voluntary experience. Life and work experience is valuable, and applicants need to have spent some time out of school and have a high level of maturity. If you do not already have work experience, you will be required to organise relevant experience before you begin the course. For example, if you are aiming for a midwifery degree, voluntary experience working within healthcare would be an advantage. If you require advice about which type of experience would help your university application, ask to speak to our Careers Advisor based in Learner Services.

All students receive termly one-to-one tutorials with their programme leader to support them with their progress on programme. You will also have access to an online tutorial programme which provides guidance on a wide range of topics such as mental health, managing finances, support for single parents, and working online. In addition, you can access a programme of workshops throughout the year to support with topics such as study skills, academic writing, and time management.

We have a team of staff dedicated to providing learning support if it is required, and a Welfare Team that is on hand to offer guidance, support, and help when needed.

All HE students have access to a designated progress coach who can also provide welfare support.

Click here for learning support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/learning-support

Click here for finance support: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

During your course, your learning will be enhanced by dedicated tutors who have a wide range of industry knowledge and experience. Your pre-access diploma has been carefully constructed to maximise your academic potential. We also use methods of assessment typically seen on Access to HE and university in order to prepare you for your transition. Current students comment on the level of support offered within this course. You’ll be part of a supportive group of learners, all of whom will have a mature attitude to learning. The Access team takes the time to know you, and because of this we’re able to provide excellent information, advice, and guidance.

Towards the end of the course, the Access team can also provide mock interviews to prepare you for any interviews you may be required to attend for university, and they may also begin directing you to completing your personal statement, giving you an advantage when you enrol on the Access to HE Diploma. The Access team also routinely add the latest developments relating to your fields, and any training opportunities to your virtual learning environment to ensure you are equipped with industrial knowledge.

During the pre-access to HE course, your learning will be enhanced by dedicated tutors who have a wide range of industry knowledge and experience. The college also houses a dedicated Health & Social Care Academy, which contains state-of-the-art facilities including a mock hospital ward. These outstanding facilities will ensure you gain valuable skills in a realistic setting, preparing you for employment in the sector. Throughout your course you will also benefit from our fantastic industry connections, which will enable you to gain valuable industry insight and hear from professionals currently working in the field. We have excellent progression rates from this course on to Access to HE, followed by excellent progression from Access to HE into higher education, with many student

You will need to hold a GCSE Grade 4/C or above in either maths or English Language or equivalent.

You will be required to complete the outstanding maths or English course alongside your Access to HE qualification. You will be required to undertake an assessment to determine the level of English/maths course.

If you hold equivalent qualifications to GCSE we strongly advise you to check university entry requirements to confirm they will accept your equivalent qualifications.

For Finance support and enquiries please speak to our Learner Services Team or visit: https://wvr.ac.uk/college-life/financial-support

For this course, you will need to purchase the usual student stationery such as pens, paper, and files. We have a wide variety of paper and digital books to use whilst on the course.